Baltimore City student graduates without learning to read - "I know I'm not the only one"

[@aliciaawhite89]

The school did fail her for passing her along. However, her family failed her as well. Why wasn't her hearing treated sooner? Was their people at home trying to assist her?

[@LittleHatori]

And SHE failed herself? How can she not be concerned herself??? Like I'm glad she's working on it now but after 30 years? U had ur learning disability sure, but u could have done things so different... It's not too late tho. She can definitely turn it around She needs to push tho

[@pxrtlyclxudy7849]

@@LittleHatoriit’s not her fault it’s the parents and school if your not gonna teach your students with literacy and numeracy at their level then why become a teacher to the point where your not encouraging students in your curriculum and you don’t understand it additionally parents never have time with their kids to build learning skills and take them on certain adventures where they’ll help their child grow proficiently in school and outside of school if you’re a somebody that doesn’t want to raise their children to follow their dreams then you’re gonna realize the negative consequences you put your child through

[@MaryjaneLove]

​@@LittleHatori &&& blaming her is pretty low down her parents and the school is to blame . . 💔💔💔💯

[@spuriustadius5034]

For students from wealthy families, things like a learning disability are a mere obstacle to be worked around with tutoring and professional intervention in the right environment. Tragically, this just can't happen in under-resourced school districts, like Baltimore's, where the administration measures "success" by having students NOT end up in prison after high school. There's plenty of blame to go around, however. The solution to his problem and thousands of others like it is aboout as easy as boiling the ocean.

[@pxrtlyclxudy7849]

@@spuriustadius5034 Exactly

[@DarthFurie]

A "Certificate of Completion" (what she received) is not the same as a high school diploma. A "Certificate of Completion" (sometimes called a "Certificate of Attendance") means that you attended all necessary years of high school, but that you did NOT meet the requirements for graduation. Certificates of Completion aren't accepted as proof of graduation by the military, most colleges, and also cannot be used to apply for federal student aid for college. She basically received a participation trophy, she never graduated. I see cases like this all the time, mostly people who are functionally illiterate and have learning disabilities, just like her. Very sad case

[@clay408]

Yeah, she never graduated. I noticed the "Certificate of Completion" too. The people who did this story are mistaking a certificate for a diploma. Still, this is a very sad situation.

[@A__Mina]

Exactly, the school didn’t necessarily do bad by giving her a certificate, but it’s a shame her disability wasn’t addressed. She can still learn to read and receive a diploma/GED.

[@matt8847]

She could have been literate if the school took care of her and actually nurtured her

[@daniyellpayne9033]

Agreed. ❤ She has a great support system with her husband. She should enroll her in literacy classes to teach her how to read/write.

[@socku5850]

I remember getting my high school diploma. The school requires me to pass all my classes and pass the high school state exam. I think there was two part for the exam. Need to pass both of them. Even if she wasn't in special education. The requirements for getting the diploma is passing the high school state exam. A few regular students failed it and they didn't get the high school diploma and got the certification instead. Sometime this exam call the state graduate/exit exam. Look it up wikipedia I was in special education too. I also have a learning disability.

[@saleemahmuhammad6656]

If she uses her hearing aid and attends a literacy program, she will learn how to read. In a literacy program, she will be taught the phonetics and that will help her.

[@meganharris583]

Sure! What’s the cost though?

[@saleemahmuhammad6656]

@@meganharris583 I don't know what the cost is however I am sure there are some free or low cost literacy programs.

[@duckie0892]

@@saleemahmuhammad6656 not in Baltimore or Detroit

[@smoketaylor2885]

​@@duckie0892 and it's designed like that for a reason!

[@SpicyPlur]

The cost should of been free and the learning disability should of been addressed in elementary school 🤬🤬🤬 this woman was robbed

[@asuevill]

We are not allowed to fail “special education” students or students with an IEP. Which, I understand not wanting them to “fail” just for having a learning disability; however, it isn’t right that we are just expected to pass them along instead of having the proper resources and classes to provide them with what they need to succeed.

[@erinnorwood6124]

​@traybernnope, work with each student at their own pace

[@persephoneblack888]

​@traybern How about we teachers of special education students get the resouces and man power to help these students achieve goals? Your response was asinine.

[@BastiatC]

teach them. you do no favors by not teaching them or by holding them in school@traybern

[@Mokimrozaradi273]

I had an IEP due to a learning disability. I was even placed in special education during grade school as well as special resource classes I had in high school. Worked and studied hard while utilizing the resources I had available. Had so many learning curves. Took me such a long time to learn new things and needed a way to figure a way to learn better. Now I’m a college grad working as a registered nurse ☺️

[@HisbeautifulTruth-nl1ch]

​​@traybernWhy? Sounds like she worked hard and earned her place despite her challenges.

[@RavenManiac74]

Did she have a support system at home? I think the parents should shoulder a lot of the blame.

[@fionamcfadden5772]

Yes,but they weren't the Teachers who were supposed to learn her to read or write,they were sending her to School to have that done because that's what they were supposed to do & they definitely weren't the ones who were passing her grades without putting the time in!!..Get it right fella..I mean,that's what teachers get Paid to do no matter what effort the parents put in..

[@RavenManiac74]

@@fionamcfadden5772 a child's first teacher is their parent. The parents should be held accountable because they allowed their child to be passed through. If they wasn't paying close enough attention to their child to know that they couldn't read then that's a problem. Being failed by your parents is worse than being failed by the School system.

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

It’s the parent’s responsibility to attend to their child’s health issues and education. Teachers can’t do a parent’s job.

[@Anthonycapone8146]

samwallace2454 They definitely should! No matter what your circumstances are you should always want your kids to be there best.

[@choco1199]

@@sarcasticallyrearranged no its the teachers job too

[@lucilletorres5989]

Thank you for speaking up. Many adults failed you - including, possibly, those who had a part in raising you.

[@anaangel5434]

Yes, when I was in high school, there was a guy that could barely read. I used to wonder where his parents were, and didn't they know thier son can't read.

[@hydrangeas_lover]

​@anaangel5434 I always wandered that, too, with students like that.

[@tinawindham6958]

No one should be laughing at disabled people. That’s so shameful. This is unacceptable. Parents and pediatricians should have helped and directed her where to get help. This is so sad.

[@autumnj8332]

Makes me want to cry 😭 This is heartbreaking. I hope she gets some kind of adult education that actually helps her.

[@Noratheskindoc]

They're evil. If they're in positions where they can help they tend not to display compassion here in Baltimore for the most part.

[@ElSantoLuchador]

Pediatricians? Most of the disenfranchised can't even afford healthcare. Even if they get medicaid, which most of them don't, the chances they'll get a litany of specialists that will help her with her problems is zero. Those are things that are only available to people with money.

[@pxrtlyclxudy7849]

@traybern it wasn’t a choice it’s mainly how inconsiderate people can be towards their children the school system is super fucked up because many schools have their way to cheat their students from of graduating using fake academic scores and falsifying test scores just to cheat their students into graduating is definitely the reason why their schools are shutting down

[@pizzapartytime1826]

@traybernhow do you know? It like telling a kid who 4 that they know how to read.

[@SaltyTribeCo]

My husband can relate to this so much. He graduated high school without learning how to read. He’s dyslexic, they just passed him along. He learned enough over the almost 20 years since and he makes a solid 6 figures without a degree. We homeschool our children and they are light years ahead of peers which we found out when we had them shadow at a top private school when we considered sending them. After finding out they would be held back academically by the slower & incompetent pace of the school we decided to continue homeschooling through gradation. One graduated last year and four more to go! The current education situation is a huge disservice to the children.

[@redstickham6394]

Many private schools have their own issues, even some considered "prestigious." Some of the same sorts of things go on in those places as well. I've been to both private and public school so I know.

[@tracyclark7560]

ultimately parents responsibility. No cookie cutter approach, one size doesn't fit all (experience is the best teacher) and time goes by so fast it's not up for debate discussion. This is life in the fast pace capitalist regime (USA).

[@alexandra-q7u1m]

@@tracyclark7560as though communist China or N Korea is better ?

[@alexandra-q7u1m]

What does your husband do for a living? God blessed you both!

[@m.htruth8880]

Well the system was made for indoctrination

[@missf4681]

What a good woman. She really wanted children but didnt put her own desires about what would be best for them. May God bless and keep this woman. I hope someone steps ip to help her.

[@MrsMathews]

It wasn't that long ago when most people were totally illiterate. If they thought this way, none of us would be here

[@tracyclark7560]

no saving fairy tale white horse knight shining armor, no magic wand, especially (but not limited to) Black girls living in North America. Hard work, keeping eyes ears open, humility--eyes on prize (a capable 18 year old upon given an infant).

[@14elvira14]

I was looking for this comment. Very selfless, hopefully one day she'll be able to mother in some way❤

[@Magdalena287]

That’s very eugenic of you, she could have easily reached out for help and learned how to read, we have tons of places where immigrants come and learn to read and write English she could have found even a place like that as a last resort. Her kids could have gone to school and easily learned how to read as well, i think that’s bullshit and as a mom of a kid with disabilities claiming that they would be selfish for wanting kids is such nazi eugenics thinking

[@rurubelle2920]

​@@MrsMathews So you want a woman who doesn't know how to read and couldn't get any sort of gainful employment because she's illiterate... to make babies?? Great idea, genius, that's how children end up in welfare and foster care.

[@C.U.N.Tahiti]

Her husband is a good man ❤️ I’m glad she has him, God bless them both

[@DiannaRobertson-i4x]

I graduated from Patterson in 1981, the year they started the Maryland Functional Reading Test. Over 300 kids in my graduating class failed and had to stay in or dropped out. Seems like nothing has changed. Even today, they push kids through. So sad.

[@craigwilliams7076]

That's a good man I salute you brother!

[@d.rabbit7276]

Unfortunately you're a man saying that. I have yet to see a woman in this comment section acknowledging that fact.

[@dariusthurman8835]

​@@d.rabbit7276this is a little crude but bro married an illiterate. Low standards

[@irresponsibleparent3]

Who they really choose lmao

[@nicnac9147]

As a woman, Thats a good man I salute you sis!

[@chinaarlene7035]

​@@irresponsibleparent3😂😂😂

[@beckyjolong6285]

These kids should sue the school district, and be accountable

[@jessicamontaperto810]

Class action lawsuits at this point).

[@Cdh2024]

@@jessicamontaperto810is that pun intended?

[@jessicamontaperto810]

@@Cdh2024 having been in special ed years ago. Barely being able to read. Trust me it was not fun confronting the superintendent when she was retiring she had the nerve to complain about me & others who were yanked out of the school district that was my friend’s 8th grade graduation back in 2010. Had a similar issue. Yes 👍 had two high schools one high school improved cause of a caring superintendent the other no very similar to Baltimore Maryland.

[@Cdh2024]

@@jessicamontaperto810 I see. I have so much trouble with math and I feel like I need accommodations, but I don’t actually have a diagnosis of anything.

[@jessicamontaperto810]

@@Cdh2024 the gift of learning d’ help u a lot! It is called dyscalculia. My mom has it as well undiagnosed.

[@boondoggle4820]

That’s tragic when someone is unable to read. Good for her for trying and doing her best. We have to do everything within our power to help everyone to read coming out of the education system.

[@emjay313]

It’s sad. As an educator I can tell you that most schools stop teaching reading in elementary. They teach reading comprehension and analysis but not the actual reading skill. Telling a kid to just read is not teaching reading.

[@Cdh2024]

why don’t they?

[@emjay313]

​@@Cdh2024 Im a math teacher but I have taught reading in the past. The state standards determine what we teach. If you look up the standards in your state at a higher grade level for English Language Arts, it focuses on literature and comprehension strategies. It does not focus on reading alone. There is always some specific skill attached such as context clues, word meaning, theme, author's tone, analysis, etc. but it does not solely focus on learning how to read. So teachers spend all the time focusing on reading comprehension instead of phonics. I've noticed that English teachers often don't even care about grammar and spelling. Most kids who cant read well cant write well either. So illiteracy becomes normalcy in classrooms.

[@idjilju2835]

My heart hurts for her. I had an IEP all throughout elementary and middle school but was released from the program before I entered High school. I hope she tackles this hurdle and thrives!

[@BetaBuxDelux]

Too late. She’s 41 so she’s missed out on children and most of the things that make life worth living. :(

[@peggyg7442]

Mrs. Prestileo, I am so sorry this happened to you. All of those teachers and school officials failed you. You have no reason to feel ashamed. They are the ones that should carry that shame. Not you. You are so brave to help others by telling your story. It is also wonderful that your husband helps you to read. I pray that you continue to be blessed.

[@edevos3108]

You forgot to say that her PARENTS failed her FIRST, long before she even entered school. Furthermore, her PARENTS continued to fail her for years by not helping her at HOME and by not advocating for her.

[@theravens_keeper9146]

I understand her struggle. I wasn't able to read until the 4th grade because most of my teachers didn't know what was wrong or how to fix it. It was a kind woman named mrs Louis, my grandma's neighbor, who my 1st grade teacher (bless her soul) brought in for tutoring because she realized i couldn't hear well enough to understand how sounds connect into words. Even if i could pass a hearing test (it's a pattern. I'm good at pattern recognition, so most of the hearing based tests don't work for me because i couldn't afford hearing aids so i cracked the code as a kid so my parents didn't go into debt buying me hearing aids. Another complication is that English is not my first language. Polish is the first language i understood so learning both at the same time means i learn more like an esl student if that makes sense), she could show me how sounds connect. I know how to read now. Not well, but I can. And i love it. I go through about 4 books a week because i never want to not be able to read ever again

[@TinaRN]

Several years ago, there was a lady in my community who never learned to read, but still graduated. I’d guess her to have “graduated” in the 70’s. When she was in her 40’s a friend helped her sue the school system. She was able to buy a home for herself and her children. I’m not a big advocate of lawsuits, but maybe the fear of it would light a fire under some of these schools!

[@pmc2999]

Even better maybe everyone from teachers on down to the school board should know that if they are caught deliberately failing these students, they will lose their jobs. And their license. Who cares if the school is forced to pay if they get to keep their job and keep on failing as a teacher.

[@terrirood8407]

Where are the parents of these people who are not learning in school? Maybe they should put down their phones and pay attention to their children. Schools were never meant to raise people's children for them. Take responsibility.

[@TinaRN]

@@terrirood8407 I couldn’t agree more! No, school was not meant to raise your children, but they were meant to raise questions if they see a problem. In this case, they failed her, and technology was not the problem. I fully agree that parents should be involved in, and take responsibly for, their children’s education. That includes limitation of unnecessary technology. Lazy parenting is an epidemic, imo, and sticking their nose in a phone, laptop, or any screen happens far too much. This woman was the product of parents who did not have the education, and could not help her. In turn, the school system either didn’t know how to teach a learning disabled student, or had no time to do so, (in a classroom with 30 other students). This was a harsh reality of the 60’s-early 70’s. They were only a few years into a major consolidation of 5 one room schools, in the area. As a result, she graduated, unable to read. Who knows what diagnosis was missed?? Even dyslexia could have been overlooked. Her parents couldn’t see it, either. Regardless, she has never read. She went on to marry, and had 4 children, in the mid-late 70’s. Two of those four are very intelligent! They are not only book smart, but, overall, they’re just smart! The other two have a lower IQ, like their momma, (RIP). All 4 of her children have children, and all of those children are smart and hold good jobs. I always wonder if their mom had been given the right diagnosis, and the right type of instruction, how things might have turned out. The lady who helped her sue (probably for a cut, somehow), did so on the basis of the system neglecting a basic education to a person they allowed to graduate.

[@maxmccullough8548]

​@@TinaRNwell grifters gotta grift.

[@thispersonrighthere9024]

​@@terrirood8407 this is exactly the comment conservatives hate to hear.

[@robertwilliams5015]

I graduated from a Baltimore City high school and only attended a few times per year. This definitely isn't a surprise to me. I remember having a math teacher who would actually ask if I wanted to do any work on any given day. Being an impulsive teenager, I preferred to hang out with friends, so when I did go to school, I was simply excused from class as if it we're a social club. To be quite honest, I can't imagine what they did to fudge the books and my grades because there's absolutely no possible way that I successfully completed high school.

[@Vokal_StimmZ]

You write very well!

[@kiloton1920]

@@Vokal_StimmZ imagine what he could have accomplished if he went to a proper school

[@PunguinYoga]

@@Vokal_StimmZ That's what i was thinking!

[@royparker7856]

Go interview the president of the Baltimore teacher's union and let her tell us what a great bunch of dedicated professional educators they all are. It is no wonder that cities like Baltimore have such high levels of poverty, crime, and hopelessness. How could it be otherwise with such a failed education system?

[@kevinjones238]

@Roy Parker Baltimore is a legitimate case study for things that are WRONG in our society. Corrupt politicians? Corrupt law enforcement agencies? Lackluster educational system? Mismanagement of resources(money, time...people)...period. The fact that some parents aren't involved in the education of their kids doesn't help matters. Nobody seems to care about anything that has value anymore. Especially, the truth.

[@ericdwhitmorec]

And who put that failed education system in place, with the school to prison pipeline, stop and frisks, redlining, and redistricting to keep certain people out?

[@victorhopper6774]

@@ericdwhitmorec parents

[@horacecomegna335]

@@ericdwhitmorecParents. 😂😂😂

[@darrylnelson05]

As a product of the Baltimore City public school system I'm proud to say that the majority of my classmates have gone on to successful careers and have wonderful families. Most of us have moved away. Almost all of us have been fortunate to have traveled abroad. Not everything is perfect some kids fall through the cracks. The entire system isn't at fault. Education is a two way street. The families have a role in the education of students also.

[@paulgentile1024]

I agree the families have a major role in education of students also...because it starts in the home !!..that being said the Baltimore public school system within the inner city is failing !.. not because so much of the teachers but because of the school administration .. the system refuses to fail or hold back students who are behind in their studies. behind.. if you can't read and write how could you go on to the next grade level but the system pushes you through. That's a failure right there... and only a small minority will ever catch up.. the system better be overhauled but quick...

[@davidbrawner7679]

@@paulgentile1024 right on but you seem to have placed the Blame on the secondary offender, the Public Schools. The Birthing Persons of these Children are to Blame First and Foremost. I would call them Parents but That Would Be A Lie.

[@juliennetully4814]

Birthing persons? You mean mothers and fathers. Birthing persons is a dehumanizing and insulting term for women/mothers

[@davidbrawner7679]

@@juliennetully4814 like I said, I would call these people parents but that would be a lie. Its pretty much a given in the black community that the Male Birthing Partner will not be involved in the offsprings development and the Birthing Person will point the finger at everyone else for the failing of the Birthed Person.

[@davidbrawner7679]

What year did you graduate and what were the Demographics of your School?

[@jacquettajohnson4668]

That's sad. I'm a witness to schools doing this when I graduated in 2002. A fellow classmate couldn't read, but walked the stage.

[@Anthonycapone8146]

jacquettajohnson4668 That's insane, how could you pass any classes if you couldn't read!? So they're really all guilty of pushing those students through.

[@Scriptorsilentum]

the first thing mgmt does when teachers bring up warnings to the school this ir that kid has issues (that impeded them) is double down. the parents are rarely ever contacted. in this woman's case they likely didn't care - hearing aids cost too much... the school board can and will fire you for falsified reports of misconduct, neglect, negligence, insubordination. believe me when i tell you they can and will find reliable witnesses - standard procedure. any attempt on the teacher's part to approach the parents would be treated as grounds to fire - "no loose cannons here!" i've seen this happen and my sister - a school secretary - witnessed it a few times, too. all that matters is making the falsified numbers look good. @@Anthonycapone8146

[@PunguinYoga]

@@Anthonycapone8146 I've been hearing about this problem for years - maybe decades.

[@plumreid]

Parents be involved in your child's education. Make sure they do their homework and help them with it, even if you only help by keeping them on task. If they say that they never have homework double check with the teachers. Make sure they are attending school. Actually check the absences, just because you dropped them off does not mean they went to school. Keep up with their grades and credits toward graduation, this is all online now. If your child is behind, figure out what you need to do to help them catch up. Show up for the IEP meetings and parent conferences. Make sure the school has a working phone number so you can be reached and answer the phone. Advocate for your kid!

[@NerdyBirdy16]

bro parents are half the problem because they're complaining about the wrong things

[@raphaeldemo9966]

Wow 77% of students at that highschool are reading at an elementary school level. That's an indictment on the K-12 in that area. This woman has nothing to be ashamed about, but those schools that just passed her through should be!

[@marcusoconner2805]

This makes perfect sense. I went to the Lowes in the area the other day. The guy working at customer service can’t understand basic English words, and can’t do math. Really odd since I’m sure English is the only language he can speak.

[@JJJJ-he8bz]

This happened to me. The best thing she can do is go to a community college and work her way up. They will actually teach you then and it’s up to you to pass or not.

[@kurarisusa]

Not Baltimore, but I also know of a woman who’s son graduated high school without being able to read just a few years ago. It’s sad to hear, but I think it’s happening more and more.

[@angelatolbert759]

Hello everyone me and my pastor was just talking about this, there are a lot of people has this situation going on that are afraid of getting help. They need a center or Maryland can find something to help them not to be afraid of learning how to read. Hooked on phonics can help her as well or a learning center she is not alone sometimes it feels like. But she is not alone. Stay bless

[@mosspawcat]

You know, I was just looking for videos of zoomers/gen alpha kids struggling to read tweets off of their phones to gawk at the results of years of tiktok and coddling that this current day and age allows for. I really wasn't expecting the sad case of a legitimately disabled woman telling her story about how she never learned to read because of her disability and how practically everyone failed her when she needed them most, leading to life long shame and anxiety preventing her from fulfilling her dreams. She seems like such a smart and kind woman too. I believe that she would have been in a greater position right now if she had any sort of support in her younger years for not only her disability, but her emotional issues as well. I really feel for her and wish her the best.

[@ensabahnur3104]

There are several no cost programs in.Baltimore that helps adults learn how to read, why didn't the news tell her that, or at least put the links in the description?

[@vradleymoore8398]

Yep, lift Baltimore helped my friend's uncle. To see people in the comment section just laughing at her, making up whole narratives, and asking if she is LGBT? clearly shows they don't care and didn't even bother to listen to the story.

[@blazingstar9638]

She’s such a sweetheart 😢 And her husband is wonderful 😭 ❤❤❤

[@somomm733]

She's a hero for telling her story! Hopefully this sheds enough light that real change happens. People been excusing the fall in education like it's a recent occurrence, but she shows that it's something that has been happening and nothing has changed except the coverage it gets. It's not a generatoonal divide; it's a failing of the public school system. Considering how insensitive people are and how they victim blame it's a testament to how much she cares that she put herself out there like this and i hope it wasn't in vain.

[@elizabethbaez7179]

She is articulate and expresses herself well. She is lucky to have a husband that cares and teaches her how to read. She can learn how to read. ❤

[@EritreanChic]

She seems like such a sweet soul.

[@myreallife6386]

This woman does have wisdom, and courage. You can still learn to read, you’re doing well already.

[@Crucial1-m9f]

They do the same to all IEP students. To bully someone into adulthood is wrong! 😢

[@pmc2999]

I can't even imagine the loss. I love to read. Reading opens the whole world of ideas to you. It opens up your imagination. And yes, my mother taught me and my brothers. When we went to kindergarten we already knew our alphabet, our numbers, how to write our name, and had started sounding out words. She was able to give us a powerful gift. My father can barely read a few words and sign his name. Of course this was over 55 years ago. And yes even then there were schools that would graduate the functionally illiterate. Many years later when talk about dyslexia was on a documentary my father said he felt like it was describing him. 😢

[@victorhopper6774]

pretty common problem. but i still learned to read pretty good.

[@thenetworkmystery]

This demonstrates that support both at school and at home are critical to student success. I didn't learn to read or write until very late due to numerous issues, but I had tremendous support, including an IEP, etc. I know how difficult it is to get support, and I understand all of those things--but it is IMPERATIVE.

[@nameisprivate5429]

My daughter has a 504 (IEP). She has leukemia and misses a lot of class. I held her back in 4th grade this year because I was concerned she wasn’t doing well in math. (They passed her but she couldn’t add/subtract 2 digit numbers) I had to sign papers and request her to stay in the grade another year. She exceeds her grade level in most areas (reads on a 10th grade level) but they gave her high marks for things she never did. For me, I had to ask them not to give her a grade unless she has proven mastery. I had to ASK! Her IEP provides that she can skip tests/work if she shows mastery of the subject. I was fine with this just because of what I know she is capable of but when I saw grades for things we didn’t test on I spoke up. Love love our teachers but she has to learn the material. Don’t feel sorry for her so much that u fail her studies. I hate to think other parents who don’t hover as much as I do would even pay attention to it….and they slip through the cracks. I’m bad at math so my baby struggled with math while being homeschooled for 2yr during Covid. In active cancer treatment i didn’t feel comfortable sending her back when they opened up. Call it my own fault. Idk. I did my best and even though she was clearly struggling, they gave her A’s. She’s back in person and in half a year she’s caught up in math. I am getting hell from her for holding her back this year but I felt she needed it. Had she went into 5th grade so behind in math it would have spelled disaster. I didn’t want her to have that stress.

[@WlmaAlexender-zl6nx]

Teacher here. Before my current job, I was a substitute for years at various schools. THIS IS MORE COMMON THAN YOU REALIZE! I saw plenty of high schools where they had subpar education for elementary students. But I worked with 2 boys in particular, who were 99% unable to read, both native speakers. Both were in high school. Demand better of your kids school. Demand it!

[@HisbeautifulTruth-nl1ch]

I am a sub, as well, and you are spot on! IEP's dont allow for actual teaching or phonics, only methods of getting by. Its sad to watch.

[@boslyporshy6553]

Who's gonna pay for the improvements?

[@WlmaAlexender-zl6nx]

@@boslyporshy6553 I didn't say throw money at it. I was saying hold corrupt school administrations accountable. If anything it might even be cheaper, once you cut their funds.

[@lauren9004]

This poor woman. I feel so bad for her. I wish her and her husband the best

[@ericworthington7299]

They also need to do an accelerated kindergarten-12th grade school program for adults who have a learning Disability..

[@kwilson4125]

Good idea!

[@83lulube]

I'm partially deaf, it impacted me as well. But, my mom was persistent growing up. She made sure I got what I needed and when she was losing the battle she took me out of public school and put me in private school and her and my dad both just tutored me. They divided the classes up into what they both could do. This is so sad. I'm 40, I grew up in the 90s early 2000s dealing with this nonsense. Unbelievable. I'm married and live a successful life, but I have my struggles. I wish this on no one. ADHD, auditory processing disorder, profoundly deaf in one ear and slightly hard of hearing in the other. It's traumatic when people tease you for stuff beyond your control. It's exhausting.

[@Bravo-ry9st]

In 2004, my second child was diagnosed with Autism. She was nonverbal, but her mother and I worked diligently to make sure she reached every milestone any one of our other children without disabilities would accomplish. This included reading and writing. Reading is extremely important as this allows you to learn independently.

[@WanderingRationalist]

I feel for this woman, I really do.

[@Anthonycapone8146]

She's 41 she's been out of high school for over 20 years, she could have taught herself to read years ago. Once you become an adult you're responsible for yourself

[@Knowthyself_92]

Hooked on phonics

[@masterskater256]

Yup i never stop learning We have PCs in hand all day Fucking learn fucking read

[@choco1199]

She probably doesn’t know how to get the resources. Its not just her fault

[@user-gu6vf3je1d]

That’s not the point. She just got treatment for her disability. Did you hear they don’t teach. They give the answers before the test.

[@robertwest4157]

@@choco1199 north koreans grow up without electricity or running water and use out houses because toilets and plumbing at too expensive. Its mandatory all their people read and own books the leaders write. Stop lying its getting old and everyone sees you people for what you are.

[@MyThoughtzAndOpinionz]

I think some of this is partially the parents fault aswell, it doesn’t seem like they put full effort into making sure she got a hearing aid

[@d.rabbit7276]

80% of the fault is the parents because they knew her issues and should've created the opportunity for her success.

[@chinaarlene7035]

​@@d.rabbit7276 go save your girlfriend 😂

[@d.rabbit7276]

@@chinaarlene7035 Umm ... sorry my wife's undergrad before law school was in journalism with a minor in accounting. So perhaps you have the wrong person in mind buddy.

[@chinaarlene7035]

@d.rabbit7276 oh no, you were on another post crying that women were applauding this buck for stepping up for his deaf, dumb and blind queen. Go save these bunnies boy 😂😂😂

[@kutter_ttl6786]

​@@chinaarlene7035Looks like we got a Baltimore grad here.

[@alexandra-q7u1m]

I wish i could meet her and give her a hug. She is a very precious woman and God loves her sm‼️🥹😇

[@SunShinesBlessing]

Talk to her parents! I’m a special education teacher… a certificate of completion is different from a diploma! There are annual meetings with their parents. I don’t know her situation but I invite my students to our meetings and they decline. An IEP MEANS THAT SHE HAS A LEARNING DISABILITY AND YOU ALL EXPLOITED THAT. Many of my students have taken 3-4 years just to learn how to spell their names. Her situation is most certainly different from the typical person. We provide accommodations but it’s a team & the parents decision if they choose to allow us to use the accommodations meaning the extra assistance. A lot of times, ppl say no because they are still in denial or they want their child to “appear” to have a typical high school life. We can only do what we are allowed to do. Hence is why we have a problem today. Realistically, many of my babies parents have guardians themselves so again… it’s hard to tell and I’m no one to judge! I don’t know this young lady and everyone situation is different but every community college has continuing education classes that someone should have sent her to. She could have went herself! Someone should have told her, her teachers should have told her, friends, family, loved ones, the community center, someone somewhere should have told her about a community college… that’s one reason why they exist. You can’t be stuck in your situation years later… try! She could have walked up to anyone there and they would have known exactly where to send her! I can point out anyone with a learning disability like it’s nobody’s business and it’s only because I have been in the field long enough. They would have picked it up by her voice.

[@tiffanywatson8316]

I'm in special Ed too, and it's gotten so much better since she graduated in the 90s. But to me, it seems like she may have been misdiagnosed. She seems more like she has a intellectual disability than a learning disability. Thankfully, a lot's changed over the years, so now she would have been given information about adults services that she could access when she graduated. She also may have been allowed to stay in school until she was 22.

[@tiffanywatson8316]

I'm in special Ed too, and it's gotten so much better since she graduated in the 90s. But to me, it seems like she may have been misdiagnosed. She seems more like she has a intellectual disability than a learning disability. Thankfully, a lot's changed over the years, so now she would have been given information about adults services that she could access when she graduated. She also may have been allowed to stay in school until she was 22.

[@KingWill04]

Umm. I have some questions. IEP or not, she has a hearing impairment that wasn’t addressed until adulthood. Not acceptable. Not only did the school system fail her, but so did her family big time.

[@erinnorwood6124]

The school really failed her and should be held accountable

[@NoNameNumberTwo]

Thank you for sharing your story, Debora. Just practice, practice, practice, and your reading will improve. There is such an amazing world that awaits you in books! 🤩😍📚

[@penguinvic9892]

People laughed at me for reading to my son when he was a baby in his cot. They thought I was weird getting every visitor to show him a book and coo: “Oooooh, a book !!”. Early on I would put a book into his cot and he would examine this, turn the pages and hold the book the right way up, all before he was one. The result. He learnt to read before he had stopped 💩 ing his pants. He became the terror of parent volunteer kindergarten readers. Pointing out their mistakes or when, shock, horror, they skipped a sentence or even paragraph. Right from the word go, I would read enthusiastically to him every night for about an hour or more until he was 13. Why? Because I had trouble reading in school and I was determined no kid of mine would ever have the same problem. My son may have misgivings about a lot of things about me … but has always thanked me for teaching him how to read.

[@sierraj7480]

she speaks pretty well for a deaf person.

[@user-re3en9su7z]

She has partial hearing loss.

[@agricolaregs]

The ultimate responsibility falls on her parents.

[@JJJJ-he8bz]

There’s not much the parents can do if the school simply isn’t teaching

[@natalie9884]

As a former teacher, this breaks my heart. So sad. Edit: I did many, many IEPs as a SPED teacher. This sickens me.

[@brucelee5576]

So it took her 41 years to figure out she can’t hear, accusing the school for not teaching and giving her all the answers, answers that she willingly took. Where is the personal accountability ?

[@Mr_Murk]

Not gonna lie, this situation made me feel a different type of rage.

[@taz9234]

Because it’s a White woman 🙄🙄🙄

[@sharonwheat3659]

Why wasn't her hearing loss treated? Did she never see a doctor while growing up? Hearing screening is a routine part of basic health care. Didn't anyone inher family or at school notice hear hearing deficits?

[@carultch]

Maybe her parents couldn't afford the treatment.

[@robertlunderwood]

​@@carultchOr they didn't take her to the doctor.

[@jonathanjones3091]

Hearing issues can cause long-term problems with literacy. She would have had problems with phonemic awareness. She should go to the local community college. They have free classes for students who struggle with reading. She can do it. If she has been living this long and found a way to feed herself and do her best then she is a fighter.

[@nicoleweewoo123]

Washington DC public schools is the same. I didn't learn how to read until 8th grade. Had learning disabilities from first grade though 12 grade. Graduated in 06. Also, teachers would give me the answers in some classes but I think they did it out of pity. I was lucky to pick up reading but my grammar and spelling at times is still not the best. My heart goes out to her. Atleast she is doing her best and not giving up.

[@KS-cl8br]

I would strongly recommend Easy Granmar series. It is great. I used it.

[@agricolaregs]

Where were your parents?

[@ryancraig2795]

I think this woman's issues should have been addressed long before she reached high school. She presumably had 8-10 years of elementary and possibly junior high school before she got to high school. Should have been recognized and dealt with when she was in her first year or two of school. At the latest.

[@Maria-kg1nh]

Praying she and others in this situation get the help that they need. God's Love and Blessings 🙌 ✝️ 💜.

[@alfairefountaine4150]

Keep your head up and don’t stop Queen. Peace and Blessings 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@whomiswhowespeaktobutwhoiswhom]

If I lived in her state, I’d travel to her and tutor her for free. Poor lady. The system really failed her-and many others.

[@user-re3en9su7z]

She would be an amazing associate in a school SPED program since she would have empathy for the students.

[@Mommy55555]

jeez I could not even imagine. This poor woman. I’m so grateful for the parents and education I had. my gosh it really puts it into perspective. Can you imagine living your entire life in a world that’s a whole different language??? bless her

[@jojokrump1998]

She has more problems than reading

[@tiffanywatson8316]

Yes! She seems like she's got an intellectual disability, a mild one, but a real issue for her to overcome.

[@anaangel5434]

This happens in California too! Some teachers will pass a student along knowing that student can't read, do much basic math, or write well.

[@isabellavillanueva4639]

Right because the parents will be so upset I’ve seen it

[@chrisleaf]

She graduated, is now eligible for jobs but she is disappointed? Ungrateful

[@GallonMilkProductions]

This is profoundly sad

[@Deathtofrogleghorn]

She should not have been laughed at by anyone. You don’t know what that person’s been through for them to be a certain way and she’s got a disability that the school or her parents didn’t address. That wasn’t her fault and the shameful school treated her as a number and pushed her through without helping her.

[@nsdawson10]

She went her entire school years without hearing.. every year you’re supposed to get a hearing test done. So she was failed in so many ways by the school and her parent(s)

[@user-ff5nv8ft6n]

I don’t understand what people want. They get mad when you try to teach their kids and then they get mad when you just pass them along. Isnt that what you wanted in the first place

[@tyronestephens4896]

I sincerely feel sorry that her parents and the school system let her down. However, she had 23 years to figure out how to read. She wasn't working so what was she doing in her down time?

[@ScreamTatumRiley]

Exactly

[@WrabrenBrawner47]

If she can’t read, how did she copy the answers of the teachers answers sheet?

[@misswinnie4.8]

These schools need to refund the parents and/or student so the hundreds of thousands of dollars can be used to finally achieve an education.

[@jojokrump1998]

Except the taxpayers paid for it all

[@chrisreich40]

This is what you get when the teachers are unionized. Here in Rochester, New York there is no requirement that graduates can read their own diplomas. That is, for those relatively few who stick around long enough to qualify for graduation.

[@zarramar3458]

😢 yeah I was bullied and made fun by my family members because of my dyslexia but now i laugh and make fun of their substance abuse issues😅

[@joelhartman2312]

I think this is more common then people think.

[@joelhartman2312]

I couldn’t read that well when I started high school. I’ve improved a lot after high school on reading and writing. What people don’t understand is you don’t get individualized help to improve reading and writing. They just Over-exaggerate your weaknesses so they don’t have to deal with you. “Read and Write” is killing are kids. Let’s go back to the ages before technology.

[@mrdee8686]

Y'all cannot blame the teachers for the kids not learning it's hard on the teacher because the kids not picking up Fastenal learning you got to work with the kids one by one or you have to teach them over and over to the kids pick up on learning and this new Young Generation is different than we was coming up

[@Zzyzzyx]

This is what special education is *everywhere* . Literally everywhere.

[@Common_Cent]

Money is the root of ALL corruption: education, judicial, political systems. All of them, want to find problems and dishonest people follow the money, want to create new dishonest people - offer the money.

[@storiesfromthedepthsofspac6413]

It’s worse than you think. I’ve been teaching at community colleges since 2004. I used to teach remedial math, and after 14 years of public school, counting pre-K and kindergarten, students can’t even do basic math. I had one woman who had not been able to help her seventh grade daughter with her homework. Don’t mean to pat myself on the back too much, but after two weeks in my class she was able to help her daughter who was now in the eighth grade. This mom was beside herself with joy. Thank you God for allowing me to help someone else.

[@VividReality74]

When you are ESE, you het an IEP, and it’s against the law for ese students to fail, they have to have someone read to them, and have them choose their own answers. In the state of Florida, ese students also graduates with a diploma of completion and not a diploma. She needs to accept her disability.

[@lexmilly7348]

Baltimore has dysfunctional school system !! Facts

[@caroleastmond9064]

I read a lot of studies similar to this one stated here, and those studies also found that a lot of females who suffer with learning disabilities, from childhood, they never had children as adult women, for the same reason that she's talking about here in this video. But, there is help out there, at local libraries literacy programs, and at community colleges continuing education learning programs, this was a very good report.

[@anniesue4456]

Really ... say it ain't so!!! This has been going on for years ... I'm old school guess what Parents!! It is your job to teach your kids to read!

[@popbaby103]

I know people with college degrees that don’t know how to read. With me, it wasn’t reading it was math. And I was an average in math. Once I got to college and took their placement test, I realized while I scored 9/5 in reading and writing but scored 3/10 in math. I was in remedial math and realized that I couldn’t do math past a 3rd grade level. And mind you, I’m coming from a state that often ranks high annually in the best states for education. However I was in school during the NCLB act. I understand what this women is going through and I know many of you do as well. I still don’t know how I didn’t drop out and how I earned my bachelors but I did. As someone who was late diagnosed, I don’t focus too much on the what-ifs but I do think about how much different life would be if I did get help. Then I remember how much stigma there was regarding mental illnesses and learning disabilities and realized that it wouldn’t make a difference. However it does feel like I have imposter syndrome because of what I have accomplished even with a learning disorder. You still feel inadequate tho.

[@thekhmer2507]

Thanks to no child left behind and affirmative action! It’s really sad!

[@alexcholagh8330]

Affirmative action usually gives minority a false pass and a cheat start in life

[@dannyleo4791]

Unbelievable that this poor woman was laughed at by students AND teachers.

[@redbugg99]

I'm 56 with dyslexia... I too don't have diploma. Thank you Miami Beach senior high school

[@carlabrown5635]

The 1980s and 1990s teachers and parents was the biggest failure

[@WanderingRationalist]

This is just one school, in one school system. Imagine how many other schools are like this or worse.

[@taer7097]

Can’t read by high school? That’s on the parents 100%

[@beckinfidelis3916]

How tragic! 😢😢 This is awful. Wasn't the city of Baltimore Dept of Education recently given the highest dollar amount they ever received, nearly $3 billion? Govt bloat, bureaucracy, waste, misspending, incompetence and corruption! They're failing the kids and everyone's future. It certainly doesn't bode well for the future of this country.

[@Tikolico]

I remember when i was in school, my parents were involved, they werent hovering over everything either, but they checked my grades, asked me once in a while what ive learned, help me with homework every now and then... you know, normal parenting, they didnt just send me off to school and hoped for the best as if its no longer their problem.

[@leehess6335]

She was in the DEC program and some kids don’t have in the capability to learn with the kids that are not in the DEC and that’s what it was called back then but if you want to school did her work and trying they were going to not graduate her if she wanted to school and did her work and tried they weren’t gonna keep you back because everybody don’t learn the same

[@KassayeGebre]

Thats a good man she has by her side. Kudos to the both of them.